Vehicle soundproofing structure

ABSTRACT

A vehicle soundproofing structure includes: a soundproofing mechanism configured to suppress sound from leaking outside from a vehicle by absorbing, dissipating, or cancelling sound inside a vehicle cabin, and a controller configured to enable operation of the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle is stationary, and to disable operation of the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle is travelling.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese PatentApplication No. 2018-024854, filed on Feb. 15, 2018, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle soundproofing structure.

Related Art

Japanese National-Phase Publication No. 2005-509756 discloses astructure to enhance the soundproofing performance of a vehicle door byusing a soundproofing door liner.

In Japanese National-Phase Publication No. 2005-509756, since a highsoundproofing performance state is maintained, sound outside the vehicleis difficult to hear while the vehicle is traveling or the like, andthere are demands for a vehicle capable of switching between asoundproof state and a non-soundproof state at a suitable timing.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a vehicle soundproofing structure thatmay switch between a soundproof state and a non-soundproof state at asuitable timing.

A first aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle soundproofingstructure including: a soundproofing mechanism and a controller. Thesoundproofing mechanism is configured to suppress sound from leakingoutside from a vehicle by absorbing, dissipating, or cancelling soundinside a vehicle cabin. The controller is configured to enable operationof the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle is stationary, and todisable operation of the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle istravelling.

The vehicle soundproofing structure according to first aspect includesthe soundproofing mechanism to suppress sound from leaking outside froma vehicle and the controller to control the soundproofing mechanism. Thecontroller enables operation of the soundproofing mechanism when thevehicle is stationary and disables operation of the soundproofingmechanism when the vehicle is travelling. Thus when the vehicle isstationary, sound inside the vehicle cabin is absorbed, dissipated, orcancelled by activating the soundproofing mechanism, enabling the soundto be suppressed from leaking outside from the vehicle.

Moreover, by disabling operation of the soundproofing mechanism whilethe vehicle is traveling, sound outside the vehicle when travelling maybe suppressed from becoming difficult to hear.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the above-describedfirst aspect, the soundproofing mechanism may include an air movingdevice that blows air along a glass pane partitioning between aninterior and an exterior of the vehicle cabin, and dissipates sound in avicinity of the glass pane by blowing air out from the air movingdevice.

In the vehicle soundproofing structure according to the second aspect,the sound in the vicinity of the glass pane is dissipated by blowing airalong the glass pane from the air moving device, and may suppress thesound from leaking outside from the vehicle.

In a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the above-describedfirst aspect, the soundproofing mechanism includes a vibrator attachedto a glass pane partitioning between an interior and an exterior of thevehicle cabin, and a microphone to receive sound inside the vehiclecabin. Vibrating the vibrator causes the glass pane to vibrate at afrequency corresponding to the sound received by the microphone and thesound to be cancelled.

In the vehicle soundproofing structure according to the third aspect,sound can be cancelled by vibrating the vibrator attached to the glasspane so as to vibrate the glass pane. Moreover, the frequency of thesound to be cancelled may be accurately ascertained due to receivingvoices etc. inside the vehicle cabin using the microphone.

In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the above-describedfirst aspect, wherein the soundproofing mechanism includes a sunshadethat is stowed so as to be deployable along a glass pane partitioningbetween an interior and an exterior of the vehicle cabin, and that isformed of a soundproofing material.

In the vehicle soundproofing structure according to the fourth aspect,as well as being able to block sunlight using the sunshade, the soundmay also be suppressed from leaking outside from the vehicle thereby.

A fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, mayfurther include: a pair of glass panes partitioning between an interiorand an exterior of the vehicle cabin and disposed with a spacing betweeneach other. The soundproofing mechanism is configured including atransparent member that is a deformable electrically conductive polymeractuator filled in a space between the glass panes, and soundproofs bydeforming the transparent member to form an air layer between the glasspanes.

In the vehicle soundproofing structure according to the fifth aspect,due to soundproofing by deforming the transparent member, the situationoutside the vehicle may be viewed through the glass pane, even in thesoundproof state.

The vehicle soundproofing structure according to the first aspect mayswitch between a soundproof state and a non-soundproof state at asuitable timing.

The vehicle soundproofing structure according to the second aspectenables sound in the vicinity of the glass pane to be dissipated so asto suppress the sound from leaking outside from the vehicle.

The vehicle soundproofing structure according to the third aspect maysuppress the sound from leaking outside from the vehicle by cancellingsound inside the vehicle cabin.

The vehicle soundproofing structure according to the fourth aspect maysuppress the sound from leaking outside from the vehicle while alsoblocking sunlight.

The vehicle soundproofing structure according to the fifth aspect maysuppress the sound from leaking outside from the vehicle while alsoenabling the situation outside the vehicle to be viewed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described indetail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a front section inside avehicle cabin of a vehicle installed with a vehicle soundproofingstructure according to a first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an air conditioning unit configuringa vehicle soundproofing structure according to the first exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow of asoundproofing mechanism according to the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an upper face view of a vehicle installed with a vehiclesoundproofing structure according to a second exemplary embodiment, in astate in which a soundproofing mechanism is being operated;

FIG. 5A is a cross-section sectioned along line 5A-5A in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5B is a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 5A when a soundproofingmechanism is in a non-operational state;

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram to explain a state in which asoundproofing mechanism of a vehicle soundproofing structure accordingto the second exemplary embodiment is being operated;

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram to explain a state in which asoundproofing mechanism of a vehicle soundproofing structure accordingto the second exemplary embodiment is in a non-operational state;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a vehicle installed with a vehiclesoundproofing structure according to a third exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle installed with a vehiclesoundproofing structure according to the third exemplary embodiment, asviewed obliquely from the rear, and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inside of a vehicle cabin of avehicle installed with a vehicle soundproofing structure according to afourth exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION First Exemplary Embodiment

Explanation follows regarding a vehicle soundproofing structureaccording to a first exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 1 toFIG. 3. Note that in each of the drawings, the arrow FR indicates thefront of a vehicle, the arrow UP indicates the vehicle upper side, andthe arrow RH indicates the vehicle right side, as appropriate. In thebelow explanation, unless specifically stated otherwise, reference tothe front and rear, up and down, and left and right directions refers tothe front and rear in the vehicle front-rear direction, up and down inthe vehicle vertical direction, and left and right when facing thedirection of travel.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a windshield glass 12 is provided partitioningbetween the interior and exterior of a vehicle cabin at a front sectionof a vehicle 10 equipped with the vehicle soundproofing structureaccording to the present exemplary embodiment. The windshield glass 12extends along the vehicle width direction and vehicle verticaldirection, and the two vehicle width direction end portions of thewindshield glass 12 are respectively attached to front pillars 14. Abottom edge of the windshield glass 12 is connected to an instrumentpanel 16.

The instrument panel 16 is provided to a front section of the vehiclecabin interior. Side blower outlets 18 are respectively formed in thetwo vehicle width direction end portions of the instrument panel 16. Airthat has been regulated in temperature by an air conditioning unit 24serving as an air moving device, described later, is blown out into thevehicle cabin through the side blower outlets 18. A central bloweroutlet 20 is also formed in a vehicle width direction center portion ofthe instrument panel 16. Air that has been regulated in temperature bythe air conditioning unit 24, described later, is blown out into thevehicle cabin through the central blower outlet 20.

A defroster blower outlet 22 is formed in an upper face of theinstrument panel 16 at the base of the windshield glass 12. Thedefroster blower outlet 22 is formed with a long and thin rectangularshape having its length direction along the vehicle width direction, andopening toward the windshield glass 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the air conditioning unit 24 is providedinside the instrument panel 16, and a soundproofing mechanism isconfigured that includes the air conditioning unit 24. A first nozzle 25and a second nozzle 27 extend out from the air conditioning unit 24. Thefirst nozzle 25 extends toward the vehicle rear from a vehicle rear faceof the air conditioning unit 24 and is connected to the central bloweroutlet 20. Air that has been regulated in temperature by the airconditioning unit 24 thereby passes through the first nozzle 25 and isblown out into the vehicle cabin through the central blower outlet 20.

The second nozzle 27 extends toward the vehicle upper side from an upperface of the air conditioning unit 24 and is connected to the defrosterblower outlet 22. Air that has been regulated in temperature by the airconditioning unit 24 thereby passes through the second nozzle 27 and isblown out along the windshield glass 12 through the defroster bloweroutlet 22. This thereby achieves a configuration to clear condensationon the windshield glass 12.

The air conditioning unit 24 is electrically connected to an ElectronicControl Unit (ECU) 26, serving as a controller, and the air conditioningunit 24 is controlled by the ECU 26. Specifically, the volume and flowrate at which air from the air conditioning unit 24 passes through thesecond nozzle 27 and is blown out through the defroster blower outlet 22is controlled.

Note that the present exemplary embodiment is configured such that thevolume and flow rate at which air is blown out through the defrosterblower outlet 22 and along the windshield glass 12 is different from thevolume and flow rate of air employed in a normal defroster so as toprovide soundproofing. For example, assuming that most of the noisegenerated in a vehicle cabin is between 300 Hz and 3000 Hz, the presentexemplary embodiment is configured so as to be capable of blowing air ata sufficient volume and flow rate to dissipate the highest frequency3000 Hz soundwaves.

Moreover, a non-illustrated switch for switching soundproofing mode isprovided to the instrument panel 16 in a configuration in which asoundproofing mode can be switched ON and OFF by operating the switch.

The ECU 26 controls the air conditioning unit 24 so that soundproofingair is blown from the air conditioning unit 24 in cases in which apredetermined condition has been satisfied. Specifically, the ECU 26enables operation of a soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle 10 isstationary, and disables operation of the soundproofing mechanism whenthe vehicle 10 is traveling. Explanation follows regarding this controlmethod, according to the flowchart in FIG. 3.

At step S200 in FIG. 3, determination is made as to whether or not thevehicle 10 is in a stationary state. Processing transitions to step S202in cases in which the vehicle 10 is in a stationary state. In cases inwhich the vehicle 10 is not in a stationary state, the check as towhether or not the vehicle 10 is in a stationary state is repeated.Various methods may be employed to determine whether or not the vehicleis in a stationary state. For example, the vehicle 10 may be determinedto be in a stationary state based on a signal indicating that a shiftlever is in a parking state. Alternatively, determination may be madethat the vehicle 10 is in a stationary state based on a speedometerindicating that the vehicle speed is zero. Alternatively, the vehicle 10may be determined to be in a stationary state when an ignition switch(IG) is OFF.

At step S202, a check is made as to whether the soundproofing mode hasbeen set to ON or OFF. At step S204, determination is made as to whetheror not the soundproofing mode is ON. In the present exemplaryembodiment, this is performed by determining whether or not the switchfor switching soundproofing mode provided to the instrument panel 16 isON. Processing transitions to step S206 in cases in which thesoundproofing mode is ON. Processing returns to step S200 in cases inwhich the soundproofing mode is OFF.

At step S206, the soundproofing mechanism is operated by the ECU 26. Inthe present exemplary embodiment, the air conditioning unit 24 isactivated as described above by activation of the soundproofingmechanism, such that air starts to be blown along the windshield glass12 through the defroster blower outlet 22 at the volume and flow rateemployed for soundproofing. Sound in the vicinity of the windshieldglass 12 is thereby dissipated, suppressing sound from leaking outsidefrom the vehicle.

At step S208, determination is then made as to whether or not thevehicle 10 is in a stationary state. Processing transitions to step S210in cases in which the vehicle 10 continues to be in a stationary statewhile the soundproofing mechanism is being operated. In cases in whichthe vehicle 10 is no longer in a stationary state, processingtransitions to step S214 and the soundproofing mechanism is stopped.Namely, in the present exemplary embodiment, the air conditioning unit24 is forcefully stopped, even though the soundproofing mechanism isstill in the operational state, in cases in which the vehicle 10 hasleft the stationary state.

At step S210, a check is made as to whether the soundproofing mode hasbeen set to ON or OFF. Determination is made at step S212 as to whetheror not the soundproofing mode is now OFF. In cases in which thesoundproofing mode is not OFF (i.e. ON), processing returns to stepS208, and the continuing operational state of the soundproofingmechanism is maintained. Cases in which the soundproofing mode is OFFare cases in which the switch for switching soundproofing mode has beenswitched OFF by operation by an occupant, for example, while thesoundproofing mechanism is in the operational state, and so processingtransitions to step S214 and the air conditioning unit 24 is stopped.

Operation

Explanation follows regarding operation of the present exemplaryembodiment.

In the vehicle soundproofing structure according to the presentexemplary embodiment, the ECU 26 enables operation of the soundproofingmechanism when the vehicle 10 is in a stationary state. Namely, thevehicle 10 can be set to a soundproof state by using the airconditioning unit 24. However, in cases in which determination is madethat the vehicle 10 is not in a stationary state, such as when thevehicle 10 is traveling, operation of the soundproofing mechanism isdisabled. Namely, soundproofing by the air conditioning unit 24 isdisabled. This enables sound inside the vehicle cabin to be dissipatedas required when the vehicle 10 is stationary, and sound to besuppressed from leaking outside from the vehicle.

The reason operation of the soundproofing mechanism is disabled when thevehicle 10 is traveling is so that sound outside the vehicle whilsttraveling can be suppressed from becoming difficult to hear. Namely,switching between a soundproof state and a non-soundproof state can bemade at a suitable timing. In particular, in cases in which the vehicle10 has started traveling while in the soundproof state, the soundproofstate is exited without any particular operation being performed by theoccupant, so that there is no concern that the vehicle 10 might bedriven in a state in which sound outside the vehicle is difficult tohear.

Note that although soundproofing of the windshield glass 12 has beendescribed for the present exemplary embodiment, application may be madeto the glass of a window in other locations. For example, applicationmay be made to side glass of a vehicle side section (front side-glass,rear side-glass), or to rear-door glass of a vehicle rear section. Insuch cases, a soundproof state may be achieved by forming a defrosterblower outlet in door trim or the like, and blowing air along the glassthrough the defroster blower outlet.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

Explanation follows regarding a vehicle soundproofing structureaccording to a second exemplary embodiment. Note that configurationsimilar to that of the first exemplary embodiment is appended with thesame reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted asappropriate.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, windshield glass 32 partitioning between theinterior and exterior of a vehicle cabin is provided to a vehicle 30applied with the vehicle soundproofing structure according to thepresent exemplary embodiment. Note that as illustrated in FIG. 5A, thewindshield glass 32 of the present exemplary embodiment is configuredincluding a pair of glass panes 32A, 32B disposed with a spacingtherebetween.

The glass pane 32A is positioned at the vehicle outer side, and theglass pane 32B is disposed at a spacing on the vehicle inner side of theglass pane 32A so as to be substantially parallel to the glass pane 32A.A gap is thereby formed between the glass pane 32A and the glass pane32B.

Note that a transparent member 34, formed of an electrically conductivepolymer actuator, is provided between the glass pane 32A and the glasspane 32B. The transparent member 34 is filled into the entire region ofthe windshield glass 32. When an electric field is applied to thetransparent member 34, the transparent member 34 curves due to anegative electrode side thereof swelling and a positive electrode sidethereof contracting. Namely, the transparent member 34 functions as atransparent actuator.

FIG. 6B illustrates the transparent member 34 of the present exemplaryembodiment maintaining a sheet shaped profile in a normal state, priorto application of an electric field. Thus the glass pane 32A, the glasspane 32B, and the transparent member 34 are integrated together in thenormal state, such that the windshield glass 32 functions as a singlepane of glass.

However, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, when an electric field is applied tothe transparent member 34, the transparent member 34 is deformed into alattice shape, and plural through-holes 34A are formed therein. Notethat due to the volume of the transparent member 34 not changing, thetransparent member 34 becomes slightly thicker when deformed into alattice shape. Note that in the present exemplary embodiment, one out ofthe glass pane 32A or the glass pane 32B is configured so as to becapable of moving. The gap between the glass pane 32A and the glass pane32B accordingly widens as the thickness of the transparent member 34increases. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, in a state in which thetransparent member 34 has deformed into a lattice shape, air layers 36are formed between the glass pane 32A and the glass pane 32B by thethrough-holes 34A.

Note that a non-illustrated power source is provided to the transparentmember 34 to apply voltage to the transparent member 34, and the ECU 26(see FIG. 2) is electrically connected to the power source. Thesoundproofing mechanism of the present exemplary embodiment is operatedaccording to the flowchart in FIG. 3, similarly to in the firstexemplary embodiment. Namely, the ECU 26 activates the soundproofingmechanism when the vehicle 30 is stationary and the soundproofing modeis switched ON, so as to apply an electric field to the transparentmember 34, and to deform the transparent member 34 into a lattice shape.

Operation

Explanation follows regarding operation of the present exemplaryembodiment.

In the vehicle soundproofing structure according to the presentexemplary embodiment, soundproofing is performed by deforming thetransparent member 34. This enables the situation outside the vehicle tobe viewed through the windshield glass 32, even in the soundproof state.Namely, the situation outside the vehicle can be viewed whilesuppressing sound from leaking outside from the vehicle. Other operationand effects are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment.

Note that although soundproofing of the windshield glass 32 has beendescribed for the present exemplary embodiment, application may be madeto the glass of a window in other locations. For example, the presentexemplary embodiment may be applied to side glass of a vehicle sidesection (front side-glass, rear side-glass), or to rear-door glass of avehicle rear section. In such cases, a double-glazed structure may beadopted for each window glass, and a transparent member disposedtherebetween.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

Explanation follows regarding a vehicle soundproofing structureaccording to a third exemplary embodiment. Note that configurationsimilar to that of the first exemplary embodiment is appended with thesame reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted asappropriate.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, a front side-glass 42 and a rear side-glass 44partitioning between the interior and exterior of a vehicle cabin areprovided to a side section of a vehicle 40 applied with the vehiclesoundproofing structure according to the present exemplary embodiment.As illustrated in FIG. 8, the front side-glass 42 is configured at anupper portion of a front side door 46, and is capable of opening andclosing in the vertical direction. The rear side-glass 44 is configuredat an upper portion of a rear side door 48 at the vehicle rear of thefront side-glass 42, and is also capable of opening and closing in thevertical direction.

Note that as illustrated in FIG. 7, a first sunshade 50 is provided atthe vehicle cabin interior side of the front side door 46. The firstsunshade 50 is stowable inside a non-illustrated door trim of the frontside door 46 so as to be deployable along the front side-glass 42.

A second sunshade 52 is provided at the vehicle cabin interior side ofthe rear side door 48. The second sunshade 52 is stowable inside anon-illustrated door trim of the rear side door 48 so as to bedeployable along the rear side-glass 44.

Due to the first sunshade 50 and the second sunshade 52 being formedfrom a soundproofing material, soundproofing performance is enhanced bydeploying the first sunshade 50 and the second sunshade 52. Note thatfor ease of explanation, FIG. 7 omits illustration of the front sidedoor 46 other than the front side-glass 42, and omits illustration ofthe rear side door 48 other than the rear side-glass 44. A knownsoundproofing material may be employed as the soundproofing material.Similar applies to a third sunshade 58, described below.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, a rear-door glass 54 partitioning between theinterior and exterior of the vehicle cabin is provided at a vehicle rearsection. The rear-door glass 54 configures an upper portion of a reardoor 56. The third sunshade 58 is provided at the vehicle cabin interiorside of the rear-door glass 54.

The third sunshade 58 is formed of soundproofing material, is stowableinside a non-illustrated door trim of the rear door 56 so as to bedeployable along the rear-door glass 54. The soundproofing mechanism ofthe present exemplary embodiment is configured including the firstsunshade 50, the second sunshade 52, and the third sunshade 58.

A deployment mechanism for electrically deploying or stowing the firstsunshade 50 is provided inside the door trim of the front side door 46.A deployment mechanism for electrically deploying or stowing the secondsunshade 52 is provided inside the door trim of the rear side door 48. Adeployment mechanism for electrically deploying or stowing the thirdsunshade 58 is provided inside the door trim of the rear door 56.

The respective deployment mechanisms are electrically connected to theECU 26 (see FIG. 2). In the present exemplary embodiment, similarly toin the first exemplary embodiment, the first sunshade 50, the secondsunshade 52, and the third sunshade 58 are deployed by their respectivedeployment mechanisms when the soundproofing mechanism has beenactivated according to the flowchart in FIG. 3. A soundproof state isthereby realized.

Operation

Explanation follows regarding operation of the present exemplaryembodiment.

In the vehicle soundproofing structure according to the presentexemplary embodiment, when the vehicle 40 is stationary, as well assunlight being blocked by the first sunshade 50, the second sunshade 52,and the third sunshade 58, sound can also be suppressed from leakingoutside from the vehicle thereby. Other operation and effects aresimilar to those of the first exemplary embodiment.

Note that although soundproofing of the front side-glass 42, the rearside-glass 44, and the rear-door glass 54 has been described for thepresent exemplary embodiment, application may be made to the windshieldglass. For example, a soundproof state of the windshield glass can berealized by deploying a sunshade stowed inside an instrument panelpositioned below the windshield glass.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

Explanation follows regarding a vehicle soundproofing structureaccording to a fourth exemplary embodiment. Note that configurationsimilar to that of the first exemplary embodiment is appended with thesame reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted asappropriate.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, a front seat 62 is provided inside a vehiclecabin of a vehicle 60 applied with the vehicle soundproofing structureaccording to the present exemplary embodiment. The front seat 62 isconfigured including a seat cushion 64, a seatback 66, and a headrest67. A front side door 68 partitioning between the interior and exteriorof the vehicle cabin is provided at the vehicle width direction outerside of the front seat 62.

An upper portion of the front side door 68 is configured by frontside-glass 70 that is capable of opening and closing in the verticaldirection. An exciter 72, serving as a vibrator, is attached to thefront side-glass 70. The front side-glass 70 accordingly functions as adiaphragm by causing the exciter 72 to vibrate.

Note that although the exciter 72 is attached to a lower end of avehicle front-rear direction center portion of the front side-glass 70in the present exemplary embodiment, there is no limitation thereto, andthe exciter 72 may be attached to another location. For example, fromthe perspective of styling, the exciter 72 can be made non-visible fromoutside the vehicle by performing ceramic processing on a peripheraledge of the front side-glass 70, providing a black-coated portionthereon, then attaching the exciter 72 to the black-coated portion.

A microphone 74 to receive sound inside the vehicle cabin is provided toa door trim 73 of the front side door 68. The exciter 72 and themicrophone 74 are electrically connected to the ECU 26 (see FIG. 2). TheECU 26 then causes the exciter 72 to vibrate at a frequencycorresponding to the sound input from the microphone 74 when thesoundproofing mechanism is operated, causing the front side-glass 70 tovibrate. When this is performed, the front side-glass 70 is caused tovibrate so as to be in the opposite phase to the sound inside thevehicle cabin, cancelling sound inside the vehicle cabin, andsuppressing the sound inside the vehicle cabin from leaking outside fromthe vehicle.

The present exemplary embodiment is configured such that thesoundproofing mechanism is operated according to the flowchart in FIG.3, similarly to the first exemplary embodiment. Namely, the ECU 26activates the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle 60 is stationaryand the soundproofing mode is switched ON, thereby causing the exciter72 to vibrate.

Operation

Explanation follows regarding operation of the present exemplaryembodiment.

In the vehicle soundproofing structure according to the presentexemplary embodiment, causing the exciter 72 attached to the frontside-glass 70 to vibrate causes the front side-glass 70 to vibrate,enabling sound inside the vehicle cabin to be cancelled. Namely, asoundproof state can be realized. Moreover, picking up voices etc.inside the vehicle cabin using the microphone 74 enables the frequencyof the sound to be cancelled to be accurately ascertained, enablingsoundproofing performance to be enhanced. In particular, for example, incases in which music is being played inside the vehicle cabin and anoccupant is singing in accompaniment to the music, the frequency of thesound to be generated can be ascertained in advance, enabling theexciter 72 to be vibrated so as to match the frequency of soundgenerated even without employing the microphone 74. Other operation andeffects are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment.

Note that soundproofing of the front side-glass 70 has been describedfor the present exemplary embodiment, application may be made to theglass of a window in other locations. For example, soundproofing may beapplied to windshield glass at a vehicle front section, to rearside-glass at a vehicle side section, or to rear-door glass at a vehiclerear section. In such cases, the exciter 72 may be attached to therespective glass pane. The microphone 74 may also receive sound at onelocation, or plural microphones 74 may be provided.

Vehicle soundproofing structures according to exemplary embodiments havebeen explained above. However, various embodiments may obviously beenimplemented within a range not departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure. For example, although sound in the vicinity of thewindshield glass 12 is dissipated by air being blown through thedefroster blower outlet 22 at a predetermined volume and flow rate inthe first exemplary embodiment, there is no limitation thereto. Asanother method, a method may be adopted in which the volume of air ischanged intermittently so as to generate a predetermined blowing soundthat masks sound inside the vehicle cabin. Specifically, a high-pitchedsound inside the vehicle cabin can be blocked by generating alow-pitched sound through the defroster blower outlet 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, although the air layers 36 between the glasspane 32A and the glass pane 32B are formed by deforming the transparentmember 34 into a lattice shape in the second exemplary embodiment, thereis no limitation thereto, and the transparent member 34 may beconfigured so as to be deformed into another shape. A soundproof statecan be achieved as long as the air layers 36 are formed between theglass pane 32A and the glass pane 32B by deforming the transparentmember 34.

Moreover, although a configuration is adopted in the fourth exemplaryembodiment in which the exciter 72 is attached to the front side-glass70 and the front side-glass 70 is caused to vibrate in the oppositephase, there is no limitation thereto. For example, the exciter 72 maybe attached to the sunshade explained in the third exemplary embodiment.In such cases, the exciter 72 is hidden when the sunshade is in thestowed state, enhancing styling.

Furthermore, the exciter 72 may be attached to the door trim 73 of thefront side door 68. A soundproof state can be achieved as long as thedoor trim 73 is caused to vibrate in the opposite phase to the soundinside the vehicle cabin.

A configuration may be adopted in which soundwaves are emitted towardthe windshield glass etc. by causing a glass pane, a door trim, or thelike to function as a diaphragm using the exciter 72. In such cases, asoundproof state can be achieved by causing the glass pane or the doortrim to vibrate in the opposite phase to the sound inside the vehiclecabin in the vicinity of the windshield glass, even in cases in whichthe soundproofing mechanism is not provided to the windshield glassitself.

The soundproofing mechanisms of the first exemplary embodiment to thefourth exemplary embodiment may be combined. For example, the firstexemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment may be combinedin a configuration that includes both a soundproofing structure usingblown air and a soundproofing structure using a transparent member.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle soundproofing structure comprising: asoundproofing mechanism configured to suppress sound from leakingoutside from a vehicle by absorbing, dissipating, or cancelling soundinside a vehicle cabin; and a controller configured to operate thesoundproofing mechanism when the vehicle is stationary, and to disableoperation of the soundproofing mechanism when the vehicle is travelling.2. The vehicle soundproofing structure of claim 1, wherein thesoundproofing mechanism: includes an air moving device that blows airalong a glass pane partitioning between an interior and an exterior ofthe vehicle cabin; and dissipates sound in a vicinity of the glass paneby blowing air out from the air moving device.
 3. The vehiclesoundproofing structure of claim 1, wherein the soundproofing mechanism:includes a vibrator attached to a glass pane partitioning between aninterior and an exterior of the vehicle cabin, and a microphone toreceive sound inside the vehicle cabin; and vibrates the vibrator tothereby cause the glass pane to vibrate at a frequency corresponding tothe sound received by the microphone and cancel the sound.
 4. Thevehicle soundproofing structure of claim 1, wherein: the soundproofingmechanism includes a sunshade that is stowed so as to be deployablealong a glass pane partitioning between an interior and an exterior ofthe vehicle cabin, and that is formed of a soundproofing material. 5.The vehicle soundproofing structure of claim 1, further comprising apair of glass panes partitioning between an interior and an exterior ofthe vehicle cabin and disposed with a spacing between each other,wherein the soundproofing mechanism: is configured including atransparent member that is a deformable electrically conductive polymeractuator filled in a space between the glass panes; and soundproofs bydeforming the transparent member to form an air layer between the glasspanes.